Indian medical students in Bangladesh report general safety despite a fresh wave of violence and political unrest across the country. The instability follows the shooting death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka. Students describe minor disruptions, including one exam postponement, but remain cautious while navigating their studies.
Unrest Escalates in Bangladesh
The current violence erupted after Sharif Osman Hadi , a student leader involved in last year’s uprising, was shot dead in Dhaka. This killing subsequently led to the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das , a Hindu garment worker. Additionally, arson attacks targeted two prominent media houses in the country’s capital, marking a period of heightened tension.
Indian Students Report Safety, Exercise Caution
Indian students in Bangladesh confirm their safety. Radheshyam, a third-year MBBS student from Bihar, studying at BGC Trust Medical on the outskirts of Chittagong (Chattogram), stated, “Our college is secure – there’s no politics inside it.” He added that demonstrations are confined to specific places and that none of the 130-odd Indian students at his college have been harmed. Students are adhering to precautionary measures. Police have instructed everyone not to venture outside at night, and all local shops shut by 9:30 pm. Students are also advised to move in groups for safety. Mohasin Halder, a student from Kolkata at City Medical College in Gazipur, reported a test paper scheduled for last Saturday was shifted following Hadi’s killing. Atikus Samad, another MBBS student at Delta Medical College in Dhaka’s Mirpur area, noted that international students have grown accustomed to the circumstances. He affirmed colleges provide security and students know to avoid agitated streets.
Echoes of Past Upheaval
The current situation is notably calmer compared to the widespread popular revolt last year. That unrest resulted in the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. During that period, many international students were left stranded for days due to communication network breakdowns. Both the state and central governments of India coordinated efforts to evacuate these Indian students.
Diplomatic Response and Protests
The killing of Dipu Chandra Das sparked protests in India. Demonstrators in New Delhi broke barricades outside the Bangladesh High Commission and clashed with police. These agitations at foreign missions have led both India and Bangladesh to summon each other’s envoys, highlighting strained diplomatic ties.
MBBS in Bangladesh: Affordability and Declining Enrollment
Bangladesh has historically been a popular destination for Indian medical aspirants. Its medical colleges offer relatively affordable fees compared to many private institutes in India. Furthermore, graduates from Bangladeshi institutions demonstrate strong outcomes in licensing exams. The last two editions of the Foreign Medical Graduates Exam (FMGE) , conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), saw a 32.39% success rate for Bangladeshi graduates. This year, 2,822 medical graduates from Bangladesh took the FMGE.
However, recent political upheaval has diminished the country’s appeal. Mohasin Halder observed a significant decline in Indian student enrollment at his institute, dropping from 30-35 students annually to approximately 10. Students, along with their parents, express anxiety and a desire to return home. Travel plans remain uncertain as students await clarity on exam schedules, which could be subject to cancellation or postponement.